"Listen, it's always nice to get support from anywhere that you manage or play," said Strachan. "But I think we are really disappointed that we couldn't top it off with a win. I think we're really disappointed that we've disappointed a few people."

Despite that pain suffered on account of losing, which was clear from Strachan after the friendly, he offered a sharp reply when asked if the Wembley occasion had increased his desire to face England at Hampden. "Yes; on Saturday," said the former Celtic manager.

More seriously, there is a desire north of the border to stage another meeting with England, at Hampden Park, in two years' time. Such a scenario would have Strachan's blessing.

"I think we have all enjoyed it," he added. "I think the players have enjoyed it. They are feeling a bit sore just now and the first thing they will be thinking is 'how will I feel for Saturday?' but they'll be fine for Saturday.

"Blackburn Rovers might have a problem, they play on Friday, but I don't think their two players [Grant Hanley and Jordan Rhodes] would have changed it for the world and I don't think any manager has the right to say: 'You can't play.'"

It now remains to be seen whether or not Strachan will be similarly open to Kenny Miller continuing his international career. The 33-year-old striker marked the occasion of his 69th cap with a wonderful goal against England but thereafter admitted he must have a "chat" with Strachan about his future in the coming weeks.

Miller has just signed a new contract at Vancouver Whitecaps and, although he has previously insisted he would never retire from Scotland duty, there is now younger blood waiting in the wings. Steven Fletcher, Leigh Griffiths and Rhodes are being viewed as Scotland's most likely first-choice attackers for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

"He has looked after himself incredibly well," said Strachan of Miller. "Strength and pace doesn't just stay with you, if you have a talent you work at it. You develop it.

"Too many young players these days think they have the talent that will take them through to the end of their career. Kenny has shown incredible professionalism, decent pace, brave in the air, willing to take a knock. The number of times he gets clattered on the head or knocked down.

"I think that determines how well you are playing. I used to say that to the smaller players at Celtic, Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney. If you are getting kicked you're doing the right things. Kenny's getting bumped and bruised. Some players don't get kicks or knocks because they are not brave enough to go and do that."

Strachan swatted aside the criticism that has come Miller's way in various stages of his lengthy career. "It depends who it's from," Strachan said. "I don't think we've heard any real person of standing saying anything about Kenny, that's the difference.

"A lot of managers have signed him and I'm one of them. He's a better professional and he's become a more relaxed person as he's gotten older."

Asked if there should be more to come from Miller, Strachan replied: "Yes, I would say to anyone at that age: 'Keep yourself fit.'

"People keep telling me to put youngsters in but they need to be better. It's no good saying: 'We're playing youngsters.' They need to be better than what we've got. If they're not very good, they're not very good. Look at Frank Lampard out there against us, terrific."